3:02 PM,
Jan. 2, 2014

Written by

Brian Passey
Backbeat

Pop was especially interesting as many of the genre's biggest names - Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Britney Spears - released new albums. Justin Timberlake made a triumphant return with two albums, Beyonce dropped a surprise record, and Miley's antics caused quite the stir even as she gave us one of the year's best singles, "Wrecking Ball."

Yet it was a 16-year-old girl from New Zealand who bested them all as Lorde offered up her brilliant debut, "Pure Heroine." As she gave pop an indie makeover, some former indie rock groups like Tegan & Sara (No. 2) and Arcade ...